Gee was forced to undergo emergency season-ending surgery last July after feeling numbness in his throwing hand, which was the result of a blood clot in his shoulder. He finished 2012 with a 6-7 record, a 4.10 earned run average and 97 strikeouts in 17 starts, but was disappointed with how his season ended.

Considering his last performance was eight innings of greatness against the Chicago Cubson July 7 in which he surrendered only one earned run despite giving up seven hits, it is no wonder why he wanted to continue pitching. Unfortunately, all he could do was rehab the shoulder injury and get ready for a successful 2013 campaign.

The 26-year-old admitted to being a bit rusty in his spring debut against the Miami MarlinsSunday afternoon, but still pitched well considering how long it has been since he stepped on a mound in a Major League game. Gee allowed three hits and one walk, but struck out a batter as well in three innings of work against a determined Marlins team.

“It’s exciting just to be back out there again,” he said.

The right-hander is currently competing for a final starting rotation spot along with fellow pitcher Jeremy Hefner. Many believe Gee will be given the job as the fifth starter while Hefner will be a top asset in the bullpen this season, but it will all come down to who performs better in Spring Training.